Mr. Towsley was born Jan. 21, 1945, in Culver City, Calif. He was a nine-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. He moved to Alaska in 1977, residing in Homer. In 1981, he moved to Seward. He was the owner of Bay Fuels and also an agent for Suburban Propane.

Mr. Towsley was a longtime member of the Seward Elks Lodge and current Alaska State Elks Association secretary.

His family said, "Mike Towsley was a loving son, husband, father and 'Papa.' He will be missed and always loved by us all."

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, at the Seward Elks Lodge. Mr. Towsley's ashes will be scattered in the Caribou Hills at his hunting cabin near Homer at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Elks Association through any area Elks lodge.